Ford overtaken as U.S. No. 3 is within reach... Hyundai Motor Group writes history with first-ever record

*This content was translated by AI.

According to a report released by Cox Automotive, a U.S. market research firm, projecting new vehicle sales for the third quarter and full year of 2026, the forecast for total new car sales in the United States this year has been revised upward from 15.8 million units to 16.1 million units, despite economic uncertainties and adverse conditions such as high interest rates, high inflation, and elevated fuel costs.

Analysis indicates that demand for new vehicles in the U.S. is maintaining a stronger-than-expected trend.The report forecasts September's seasonally adjusted annualized sales rate (SAAR) at 16.3 million units, a slight decrease from 16.6 million units in the same period last year and 16.8 million units in the previous month. Total vehicle sales for September are expected to rise 6.5% year-over-year but fall 2.7% compared to the prior month, while annual new car retail sales are projected at 13.1 million units, a 2.3% decline from 2025.

Notably, Hyundai Motor Group's strong performance is expected to stand out in this third quarter. Sales for Hyundai Motor Group, including Genesis and Kia, are forecast to reach 511,421 units in the third quarter, a 6.5% increase year-over-year, surpassing Ford's third-quarter sales forecast of 504,172 units. Consequently, Hyundai Motor Group is expected to overtake Ford for the first time in history on a quarterly basis in the U.S. market, solidifying its position and securing third place.In contrast, the Detroit Three—GM, Ford, and Stellantis—are projected to record their lowest combined market share ever this quarter.

By brand, General Motors is expected to maintain first place in cumulative sales for both the third quarter and the full year, though its sales volume and market share have contracted slightly compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Asian brands including Toyota continue to show a steady upward trend in market share. Cox Automotive explained that despite consumer spending pressures driven by high gas prices, with the national average gasoline price reaching $4.48 per gallon, demand from affluent consumers is supporting the market. Meanwhile, the 2026 used car market is projected to see 38.5 million transactions, a figure slightly below last year's level.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.